Everyday Aviation.

Top AeroSavvy Articles for 2016

It’s been a busy year for AeroSavvy. I’ve been overwhelmed by the thousands of visitors from all over the world who have read, commented on, and shared AeroSavvy articles. To celebrate the end of the year, here are the top 10 most read AeroSavvy posts for 2016!

If you enjoy AeroSavvy posts, be sure to share them with your friends.

Clear communication between pilots and air traffic controllers is absolutely necessary for safety. What happens when a flight crew flies to a country that speaks a different language? Just imagine: an Air China flight crew that speaks Mandarin arrives in Paris and must converse with French controllers. In order to communicate effectively, flight crews and controllers must share a common language.

Swirls and lines on engine spinners. The spiral shapes can been seen on jet engines everywhere. The many different designs and variations look cool on a spinning engine, but do they have a higher purpose?

Everything you need to know to listen to pilot/controller radio conversations and understand (for the most part) what they are saying. Includes live, transcribed air traffic control audio and an aircraft radio buying guide!

Airliner navigation made easy! Find out how pilots can navigate an aircraft thousands of miles over the ocean and pinpoint a runway on the other side of the globe. The secret is the Flight Management System. Learn the basics of this amazing box!

Each day, over 2000 aircraft travel across the Atlantic ocean bound for North America or Europe on the North Atlantic Organized Track System. Have you ever wondered how pilots navigate and communicate during the journey? Communication over the Atlantic is an interesting combination of modern digital messaging, satellite communication, and early 1900’s low-tech!

The number 1 question I get asked at cocktail parties: What’s it like to be a cargo pilot?

Cargo airlines are a mystery to the general public. Everyone is familiar with passenger airlines; it’s hard to find someone who hasn’t taken a ride or visited an air terminal. But the world of flying cargo is unknown to most. Find out the similarities and differences between flying passengers and cargo!

It’s easy to take flying for granted. We hop aboard a comfy airliner and fly high in the stratosphere without giving breathing a second thought. The aircraft’s pressurization system makes it possible. Here’s how the magic works…

Tied for #2 are two posts about call signs. I am amazed at how popular call signs are!

When pilots and air traffic controllers communicate on the radio, the airline’s call sign is always used along with the flight number; ex: “Delta 135.” This helps assure communications are clear.

Airlines began using call signs back in the 1930’s. Many carriers use their name as their call sign. Delta uses “Delta,” Singapore Airlines is “Singapore.” Occasionally, airlines will use some creativity when selecting a call sign. Here are 10 of the coolest call signs used by airlines!

There are so many good call signs that the top 10 list just wasn’t enough! Here are 15 more of the coolest call signs that can be heard on the aviation airwaves. Keep reading and you’ll also get some call sign trivia – absolutely FREE!

The number one, most popular AeroSavvy article for 2016 is The Savvy Passenger Guide to Airplane Lights!

Airplanes, especially big ones, are loaded with exterior lights. Here’s what they’re all for and how we use them!

More AeroSavvy Is on the Way in 2017

Have a safe and wonderful 2017!

AeroSavvy is written by Ken Hoke. Since 1984, Ken has loitered the skies in many vehicles, most notably the classic Douglas DC-8. He currently frustrates air traffic controllers in the US, Asia, and Europe as a Boeing 767 captain for a package express airline.
Ken can be reached here or any of these fine social media outlets:

Happy New Year Ken.
Really enjoy your articles. Although I am an aviation trainer, they do give me ideas of “enlightening” my trainees on the ways we do stuff in aviation. Especially with a smile on my and their faces.